The terms of the move were agreed with club and player but a medical showed up a big problem.
Celtic have to rejig their summer transfer plans after their move for Motherwell and Scotland U21 midfielder David Turnbull fell through.
The Scottish champions had agreed to pay Motherwell £3.5 million [just under €4m] with an up-front transaction of £3.25m. Terms were agreed with Turnbull too, but concerns were raised after his medical.
The medics determined that Turnbull, who scored 15 goals in 31 games last season, needed ‘immediate preventative’ surgery on his knee and he will now be out of action for ‘an extended period’.
It is understood that Celtic were still interested in signing the 19-year-old but for a reduced rate. Motherwell declined the deal while Norwich, who also wanted him, are adopting a wait-and-see [post surgery] approach.
The news was first released by ‘Well and a follow-up statement released by Celtic FC reads:
‘Following the announcement today from Motherwell FC that the proposed transfer of David Turnbull from the club to Celtic will no longer take place, Celtic Football Club has released the following statement.
‘It is unfortunate that we were not able to proceed with the transfer of David to Celtic, having agreed a significant fee with Motherwell and reaching agreement with the player.
‘It is regrettable that David will be out of action for a considerable length of time and, clearly, these circumstances are totally outwith the club’s control. We did everything we could to find a solution.
‘We would like to thank David and his representatives for the professionalism they have shown throughout. We also thank Motherwell FC for the way they have handled this process. We wish David all the very best with the operation and every success for the future.’
A real shame for the lad, but one hopes he bounces back stronger after his surgery.
